Don’t Poke the Bear

Don’t poke the bear is a Southernish saying meaning don’t provoke someone who’s already upset or dangerous. It’s a modern expression with universal roots that fits right into plainspoken Southern talk.

#Southernish

synonyms: don’t stir trouble, don’t agitate, let it be, don’t make it worse

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'don’t poke the bear' all my life, it's good advice all around.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'don’t poke the bear' all my life, it's good advice all around.

Pronunciation

[DOHNT pohk thuh BAY-uhr]
/doʊnt poʊk ðə bɛɚ/

Meaning & Usage

- Don’t provoke anger or conflict (warning or advice)

Brenda:

He’s already mad about the truck.

Clyde:

Then hush up, Brenda - don’t poke the bear.

variations: don’t stir the pot, let sleeping dogs lie

Origin

The phrase likely developed in the 20th century as a natural warning based on the literal danger of aggravating a bear. While used across English-speaking countries, its blunt imagery fits perfectly with Southern and rural storytelling. Today it’s heard everywhere-from workplaces to front porches-as a simple way to say "don’t make things worse."

Verdict: Southernish. Modern and universal, but earthy enough to sound right at home in Southern speech.

Notes

Used to warn against provoking anger or pushing an argument too far.
Common across the U.S., U.K., and Australia in everyday speech.
Fits Southern idiom patterns like "don’t stir the pot" or "let sleeping dogs lie."
Often said with humor or mock seriousness when someone’s about to cause trouble.

Common Questions

What does "Don’t poke the bear" mean?

It means don’t provoke someone who’s angry or likely to lash out.

Is it a Southern saying?

Not originally-it’s a general modern English expression, though Southerners use it naturally in conversation.

Where did it come from?

It’s based on the literal idea that bothering a real bear is a bad idea, extended metaphorically to people.

How is it used today?

Often as a warning or joke when someone’s about to irritate a person who’s already mad.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 19). Don’t Poke the Bear. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/dont-poke-the-bear
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Don’t Poke the Bear." HillbillySlang.com, 19 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/dont-poke-the-bear.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Don’t Poke the Bear." HillbillySlang.com. October 19, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/dont-poke-the-bear.

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